Trowers advises London borough on CPO for strategic infrastructure works for £6bn Meridian Water development

Law firm Trowers & Hamlins has advised the London Borough of Enfield on a compulsory purchase order relating to strategic infrastructure works necessary to enable the £6bn Meridian Water regeneration.

On 22 July 2021 the compulsory purchase order was confirmed by the Secretary of State enabling Enfield to acquire the land necessary to construct essential infrastructure, including a new road network, flood mitigation, remediation and new green spaces.

The Meridian Water regeneration is seeking to comprehensively redevelop approximately 85 hectares of underused brownfield land, with large areas of derelict land accommodation. It is set to deliver over 10,000 new homes, a new railway station, retail, commercial leisure and cultural facilities.

Work has already started on the on the regeneration, with a new railway station opening in 2019 and work is due to start on the first development phase (over 700 new homes) in the Summer 2021.

Jacqueline Backhaus, partner and Tim Brown, senior associate in the Trowers & Hamlins planning and compulsory team have advised Enfield on the CPO and planning process of Meridian Water since 2015, including promoting the infrastructure works CPO at a public inquiry in Spring 2021.

Backhaus said: "We are delighted to have played a part in advising one of the country's most ambitious regenerations, enabling Enfield to secure the land necessary for such an exciting and beneficial project. Not only will this infrastructure enable a significant boost of high quality housing stock, it will provide much needed investment and opportunities to the Edmonton area and rejuvenate a large area of underused land."